Chairman's News 1 - April 2025

28 April 2025

John McCullough - Chairman, ISDS took office on the 21st February 2025

It is with great excitement and honour that I step into the role of Chairman of the International Sheepdog Society. As a life member of the Society from 1994, I am truly thrilled to work alongside such a dedicated group of individuals, who share a passion for preserving the traditions, skills, and spirit of the working sheepdog.

As a primary school child, I regularly attended my local annual sheepdog trial held in Portadown, County Armagh, N/Ireland, which was hosted by my neighbour, George Lutton, a former Irish National Champion. To this day, George recalls how I was an overly eager child, often standing in the wrong areas and unintentionally obstructing things while he was trying to organise the trial. When my dad purchased sheep for the first time on the farm, it was only a few days until George arrived with a pup for me, that was the beginning of my journey in training and trialling. After attending my first International in 1993, I decided upon JR Griffith’s Sweep as a stud dog for a farm bitch I had at the time, she produced a litter of 9, I retained the smallest pup in the litter which ended up as my first trial dog, Tweed won many open trials and the North of Ireland double lift trial at under 2 years old. Another of my trial dogs was a litter mate of Toddy Lamb’s International winner Craig, I remember on the boat crossing home from that International, I honestly was as pleased and as proud as Toddy was.

I have been a Society Director from approximately 1996 (Apart from 1 year) in all the years of serving as a Director, I have never missed an AGM, I have also served on Council for four terms. I was encouraged to take on the job as Junior Irish Vice President and then progressed through the ranks, finishing my four-year term as president in 2018 with the International at Gill Hall Estate. After a few years away from organising events, I was then approached by Ian Fleming as the Society found itself without a 2023 World Trial venue. With only 16 months to deliver a World Trial, I was appointed event Chairman and led a wonderful committee to organise a magical / memorable and financially sound event, that everyone who attended enjoyed. What pleased me most was how everyone near and far, when asked, stepped up to the plate and helped with whatever was required of them. Just like a handler and good dog they always get the job done!!

In 2005 I had the honour of judging the World Trial in Tullamore Ireland. I’ve also been invited to judge a number of trials across Europe, this has presented me with an opportunity to meet new competitors some of which have become very good friends.

With the 2026 World Trial taking place in Scotland, I’m keen to also identify and award the 2029 & 2032 venues, I firmly believe it’s in all our best interest to be forward planning for these major events, this will allow the organisers ample time to begin sourcing funding, as it’s becoming more and more difficult to secure the large amounts of money it takes to stage these major events.

With a consistent track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals, we foster trust with our members, ensuring that the majority of contributions are directed towards initiatives rather than administrative costs. This commitment to accountability and sustainability ensures long-term growth and the continued success of our society.

Our society has always been about more than just the dogs, it’s about the connections we build, the knowledge we share, and the respect we have for these incredible animals. As Chairman, my goal is to continue fostering that sense of community, expanding opportunities for learning and growth, and ensuring the continued welfare of both sheepdogs and their handlers.

My day job is not in full-time farming, I have worked for Avery Weigh-Tronix (A ITW Company) for 29 Years, currently my role is Commercial Manager for the Irish Business. Avery Weigh-Tronix have been very supportive to me and my involvement with the society, in the past they have sponsored the Irish team with team jackets for a couple of Irish National’s and the 2023 World Trial. They also sponsored the 2018 International and came on board as a major sponsor of the 2023 World Trial.

I look forward to working alongside Isabel and the other employees, National Presidents, Council, Directors, Lisa Soar (ISN) and engaging with each of you, as we embark on this exciting journey together. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this next chapter of the Sheepdog Society one to remember.

John McCullough

ISDS Chairman

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